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Physical exercise improves arterial stiffness after spinal cord injury
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|July 1, 2014
Summary
Athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) have lower aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), indicating better arterial stiffness. This suggests exercise may reduce cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with SCI.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a key indicator of central arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population.
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) can impact cardiovascular health, but the effects of athletic training on arterial stiffness in this population are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare aortic PWV between athletes and non-athletes with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).
- To investigate the potential impact of chronic exercise on arterial stiffness in individuals with SCI.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study comparing 10 elite hand-cyclists (athletes) with 10 non-athletes with motor-complete, chronic SCI (C2-T5).
- Aortic PWV was measured using applanation tonometry.
- Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded during testing.
Main Results:
- Athletes with SCI demonstrated significantly lower aortic PWV (6.9 ± 1.0 m/s) compared to non-athletes (8.7 ± 2.5 m/s).
- No significant differences were observed in resting mean arterial blood pressure or heart rate between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Elite athletes with SCI exhibit improved central arterial stiffness compared to their non-athletic counterparts.
- These findings suggest that regular exercise training may enhance arterial health and potentially mitigate cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with SCI.
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